FMB Money Clarity Worksheet
A printable reflection tool for goals, a simple monthly snapshot, and questions to consider before investing.
FMBEMPIRESFMB GUIDE / MONEY & INVESTING
Build money clarity before making a move.
Start with your goal, your timeline, and the basics of your financial picture. Learn how risk and fees work before deciding whether an investment is right for you.
A SMALL RESET
Separate the goal from the product.
Before comparing investments, write down what this money is for and when you may need it. The approaches below are general frameworks to learn about, not a personal portfolio recommendation.
- 01Name one financial goal and when you might need the money.
- 02List regular costs, minimum debt payments, upcoming expenses, and available savings.
- 03Choose one learning step: build a budget, understand fees and risk, or check an advisor's registration.
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Practical tools & worksheets
FCAC Budget Planner
A free Government of Canada tool for building and saving a personal budget.
FCAC Debt Repayment Guide
Compare practical debt repayment steps, including prioritizing higher-interest debt and getting support when needed.
OSC Investing Academy
Free Canadian lessons on investing basics, risk, time horizon, investment types, and planning for future goals.
FMB PRINTABLE PLAYBOOK
The Debt Payoff Playbook
A practical 9-page printable with a debt inventory, an avalanche-versus-snowball worked example, a 12-month progress chart, a 30-day reset, creditor call prompts, and Canadian support links.
One-time purchase · $7 CAD before any applicable tax · Secure download after payment confirmationEXPLORE
Two investment approaches to understand
Goal-based diversified portfolio
Start with the goal and the date you may need the money. Learn how investors use a mix of asset classes to spread exposure, then review whether the mix still fits their risk capacity and comfort. Diversification can manage concentration risk; it cannot prevent losses.
Regular contributions and periodic review
Some investors contribute on a regular schedule that fits their budget, then review and rebalance periodically. Regular investing can reduce pressure to time a single purchase, but it does not guarantee a gain; transaction costs and market risk still matter.
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Books to explore
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Rich Dad Poor Dad
Robert Kiyosaki's personal-finance book introduces his views on financial education, assets, and liabilities. Use it as one perspective to examine and compare with current, reliable Canadian guidance.
MONEY: Master the Game
Tony Robbins presents a broad seven-step framework for saving, investing, and planning for income. It is US-oriented, so verify Canadian rules, taxes, fees, and suitability before acting on any strategy.
The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel's short stories explore how behaviour and personal history shape decisions about money.
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
John C. Bogle presents an introduction to index investing and long-term market participation. Treat it as one perspective to learn from, not a personal recommendation.
Millionaire Teacher
Andrew Hallam introduces investing fundamentals in an accessible, story-led format. Use it as an educational perspective and verify current Canadian account rules and costs separately.
The Value of Simple
John Robertson's Canadian-focused guide covers investing concepts and the practical details that can make them feel complicated.
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Podcasts to try
Rational Reminder
A Canadian podcast on sensible investing and financial decision-making, with conversations about evidence, behaviour, and planning.
The Canadian Investor
A Canadian investing show discussing companies, markets, strategies, and Canadian investing considerations. Episodes may discuss individual securities; treat them as material to evaluate, not instructions to trade.
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Trusted starting points
Check an advisor or firm
The Canadian Securities Administrators' National Registration Search can help you check whether an individual or firm is registered.
Learn about investing basics
The Ontario Securities Commission's investor education site covers risk, time horizon, fees, account types, and common investing questions.
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